Practicing mindfulness may seem out of reach to those who are not very experienced with its techniques. Maybe you have heard of the benefits of slowing down and bringing attention to one moment, the here and now. Many people feel that when they practice mindful behavior, they are less reactive to stresses in their lives,…

In March, Secretary Denis McDonough announced VA’s 2023 goals for preventing and ending Veteran homelessness. Specifically, in 2023, VA will: Place at least 38,000 more homeless Veterans into permanent housing Ensure that at least 95% of the Veterans housed in 2023 do not return to homelessness during the year. Of those who return to homelessness,…

Fresh Focus Episodes #71 – What is the MOVE! Program? You may or may not have heard of the MOVE! program at your VA before tuning into today’s episode, but it has been around since 2006. MOVE! is the nation-wide weight management program designed to help Veterans lose weight and keep it off. Listen in as our…

Since its inception in 2014, the National Community Partnership Challenge (CPC) has recognized more than 600 exceptional partnerships that enhance the health and well-being of Veterans and their communities. The CPC is facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary for Health. Each…

Here is one Veteran’s experience at the Colorado Springs PACT Act claims clinic. During a fishing trip three years ago, Army Veteran David Krall, 75, of Colorado Springs noticed his balance slipping. As a forward observer in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, the long-term impact of chemical exposures was not often considered. “I noticed my…

Navy Veteran Walter Smith’s art teacher is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the front door of his childhood home. His fondest times there have always included creativity in one form or another. As a child, he dreamed of the day he could have a camera in hand, using photography to explore…

At VA, we recognize that there are numerous costs associated with continuing your education, but with our education support programs, we want to help you find a little relief and get on your way to a career filled with satisfaction as you serve those who have served. Interested? Sure you are! So here are just…

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, learn how to choose a mental health app that’s best suited for you with Dr. John Torous, director of the digital psychiatry division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. How can mental health apps help? Mental health apps can be used in several ways such as to…

At VA, safety and inclusivity are driving factors as we strive to provide equitable health care for all Veterans. This month, VA places a special focus on women service members as we acknowledge Women’s Equality Day Aug. 26. This date marks the celebration of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment which allowed women the…

Sarah Rosetta Wakeman was a woman who served under the name Lyons Wakeman in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born in Afton, New York, on Jan. 16, 1843, she was one of nine children raised on the family’s farm. Wakeman moved to Chicago, passing as a man in 1862, to work as…

At the end of July, El Paso VA welcomed several hundred Veterans and their families to its first Summer VetFest and PACT Act Claims Clinic. Signed into law August 2022, the PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. “We will not rest…

Mary Louise Castro was born on Nov. 26, 1917. She became the first Mexican-American woman from San Antonio to serve in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II, in the Signal Corps. After her service in the WAC, Castro worked as a Department of the Army civilian, eventually completing 34 years of government…